Redefining Privacy

Confession: When new mothers used to say things like, "It's so much work I literally didn't have time to shower," I secretly thought, "Oh, come on. Who can't find time for a quick shower?"

Then I had Cody.

When Emma was born, my pledge to myself way that I wouldn't go a day without a shower. I've kept it (though it turns out it's even harder to do with a newborn AND TWO OTHER SMALL PEOPLE) because it's the time I treasure most in the day. More than prayer, more than coffee, more than anything. Whether it's four minutes or a whopping eleven, I can't wake up and get going without the hottest shower possible. It's where I can, in order of importance: 1) Not hear anything that's going on in my house; 2) Let my mind wander to any subject I want, apart from schedules and feeding and work and where the hell is that other glove?; and 3) Get clean. There is nothing more awesome than not knowing whether or not someone (or more than someone) is screaming, thanks to the rushing water.

Usually I'm in the steam around 4:30 or 5:00 am, so there's not generally too much going on, depending on Emma. But this morning I waited until after breakfast. I was fully enjoying minute three when I heard Cordelia, startlingly close: "Mom? Daddy shouted at me."

I sighed behind the curtain. "What did you do?" She replies, "I didn't do anything. I was not bothering Emma, or refusing to listen to Daddy." (These, obviously, are bald-faced lies.) I said something about how she should let it go and just try to be a better listener. A moment later, I hear Cody. "Mom? I just got one tiny time-out because I was not listening to Daddy and he is changing an exploded diaper now and I touched Cordelia when he asked me not to." Okay, so I sighed again. But then I helpfully suggested he just get his time-out over with. In, you know, a different room. He pattered off. Cordelia then started yapping about something and I said gently, "Baby? Do you think I could just have two minutes of privacy? Then I will be with you."

She replies sweetly, "Oh sure, Mommy, but while you have your two minutes of privacy, is it okay if I just keep you company?"

It was actually hard to say no. : )